Making A Difference: School's 'Watchman' Ensures A Safe Environment

Lowell Long has combined his military training and knowledge of electrical engineering to provide help as a volunteer at Williamsburg Christian Academy for nearly three years.

Now retired, Long spends eight hours a week at the school, fixing lights, as well as making sure that doors are secure and that no one is wandering the halls who doesn't belong there. He's also helping to enact an emergency preparedness plan for the school and is present for training sessions and drills.

Q: Why did you start volunteering?

A: My daughter is a student at Williamsburg Christian Academy. I believe very strongly in the mission of WCA, and I'm ready and willing to help at the school whenever and however I can. I see my involvement at the school, in whatever capacity, as an important part of my personal Christian ministry.

Q: What is your volunteer title?

A: There is no particular title for what I do at WCA. However, recently, one parent - when asked by her elementary school son, "Who is that man who stands by the door every morning?" - replied that I was the "watchman." I suppose that title would describe what I do.

Q: What kind of volunteer work do you do?

A: During the past 2 1/2 years, I've volunteered in several different ways at WCA, including electrician, mission committee member, volunteer driver and "watchman." I'm probably most noticeable when acting in the last capacity. Each school day morning, before any students arrive, I check to see that all the entry doors to the building are secure. As the students, teachers and parents arrive, I check to see that each door being used for entry is properly monitored by a designated faculty or staff member. During the morning rush, I try to observe everyone who comes into the building to see whether they're authorized to enter and that all guests and visitors properly check in at the school office. After the rush is over and all the students are in their classrooms, I continue to monitor the entry doors and the hallways for a period of time before I leave the school.

Q: How has this service challenged you?

A: With regard to my activities as the "watchman," I'm challenged by the sobering thought that my small efforts to help ensure a safer school environment for our students may, in some way, help prevent a dangerous or tragic incident.

Q: Why do you continue to volunteer?

A: I continue to volunteer because I believe that what I do is important, and I'm thankful I have the time and ability to meet the need.

I feel honored that the school administration has confidence in my ability to handle the tasks.

Q: What is your most memorable experience as a volunteer?

A: From my experience as a volunteer at WCA, I will always remember the happy, smiling faces of the preschool children and their excitement and enthusiasm as they eagerly come through the school doors each morning.

They are a real joy to watch, especially when they're marching single-file down the hall with their hands folded politely behind their backs or carrying their little chairs on their way to participate in one of their devotional assemblies.

Many times, one or more will smile at me and say something like "What are you doing?" or, as one little girl said, "I like your hat."

They're absolutely precious.

Q: If you had to go back to school, which grade would you prefer and why?

A: I would not choose to go back to school, but if I had to go back, I would like to go back as a high school freshman, with the opportunity to actively participate in all kinds of sports.